Benning had “represented the community with dignity"
The Asian Football Awards were held at The Clementine, Syon Park in London on September 29, 2026, and honoured British Asians in football.
It was its 6th edition and it celebrated inspirational individuals and organisations making an impact on British South Asians in the UK.
The awards were supported by the FA, PFA, Premier League, PGMOL, Kick It Out and the Fans for Diversity campaign.
Both the men’s and women’s FA Cup trophies were on display.
Sky Sports presenter Dharmesh Sheth hosted the awards ceremony.
Inventive Sports founder and CEO Baljit Rihal launched the Asian Football Awards in 2012 with a clear goal: to increase visibility and create meaningful recognition for South Asians in football.
AFC Telford United defender Mal Benning received the Pioneer Award for his contribution to South Asian representation in football.
Rihal said Benning had been a “role model for many, particularly for young British South Asians” throughout a career in the English Football League in which he has made more than 500 professional appearances.
He added that Benning had “represented the community with dignity, spoken honestly about some of the barriers he has faced, and continued to lead by example”.
Meanwhile, Zidane Iqbal won Men’s Player.
He made history in 2021 when he came on as a substitute for Manchester United in the Champions League match against Young Boys, becoming the first-ever British South Asian to play in the UEFA competition.
Iqbal now plays for Dundee United and represented Iraq at the 2026 World Cup.
Leicester Nirvana FC won the Community Club Award.
They said: “What a moment for our club.
“A huge thank you to the Asian Football Awards for this incredible recognition.”
“To have Leicester Nirvana named Community Club Award winners is an honour we’ll cherish.
“Proud to represent Leicester. Proud to be Nirvana. More than just football. Thank you!”
The Full List of Winners
Men’s Player
Zidane Iqbal
Women’s Player
Mariam Mahmood
Men’s Young Player
Brandon Khela
Women’s Young Player
Layla Banaras
Non-League Player
Kam Kandola
Match Official of the Year
Abid Hussain
Coach
Nimesh Patel
Media Award
Miriam Walker-Khan
Grassroots Award
Jaspal Singh
Community Club Award
Leicester Nirvana FC
Inspiration
Micky Singh
The Flowhesion Community Cohesion & Inclusion Award
Get Involved – Palace for Life
Fan Group Award
Punjabi Wolves
Special Recognition
Mo Matadar for services to officiating
South Asian Pioneer Award
Mal Benning
DESIblitz congratulates all the winners of the Asian Football Awards!
